Pretoria - The first week of the 2012 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations has gone well, with minimal incidents or irregularities, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said on Monday after reviewing reports from around the country.
Motshekga noted that some provinces experienced challenges in starting on time due to differing reasons, but there were rapid response mechanisms put in place to deal with the matter. She said all these situations were dealt with immediately and no learners have been disadvantaged.
She undertook to monitor areas that have experienced challenges.
This year, a total of 527 335 full time and 120 352 part time candidates are registered. Learners sat for English Paper 1 on Monday, 22 October, and ended the week with Physical Science Paper 1, which was written on Thursday.
"I'm especially happy with the reports indicating the determination of our learners throughout the country and I urge their parents to give them all the support they need.
"The bad weather across the country could have been a whole lot more challenging had we not put in place contingency plans," said the minister.
Adverse weather across the country has proven to be a challenge for some provinces and the department has activated plans to ensure that learners were not negatively affected.
Today saw 182 038 full time and 52 783 part time candidates sit for the Physical Science (Chemistry) paper in the morning session; and a total of 734 learners are writing additional languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, French and Spanish in the afternoon session.
Motshekga thanked all the department's officials for their vigilance and continued support to learners at this important time in their lives.
"I understand that this is a time of high pressure but I urge them to remain calm in the execution of their duties, as the whole nation is counting on us," Motshekga said.
The exams will conclude on 28 November. - SAnews.gov.za
